Lisbon Metro trains resumed normal service at 10:20 this Thursday, following a partial strike by workers that began at 05:00 AM, according to a company source.
Reasons Behind the Strike
Lisbon Metro workers went on strike this Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 AM, with the Federation of Transport and Communications Unions (Fectrans) reporting a participation rate of over 90%. As a result, all stations were closed.
According to Fectrans, the strike was prompted by the carrier’s repeated failures to meet payment obligations and comply with the Company Agreement.
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Workers’ Demands and Union Response
The strike, similar to the one held on November 6th (with participation estimated by the federation at 85% to 90%), was organized by workers in two plenary sessions.
They are demanding payment for variables (overtime and holiday pay) from the transport company, as well as adherence to the Company Agreement regarding working conditions career progression, and reduced working hours.
The trade unions met with the transport company’s management but felt that the company’s main goal was to have the strike suspended without any compensation.
Lisbon Metro’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations
According to Fectrans, the Lisbon Metro’s board of directors did not propose a solution, instead focusing solely on legal issues, despite the problem being fundamentally economic and political in nature.
At the time of the first strike earlier this month, Lisbon Metro issued a clarification on its website addressing the reasons cited by the trade unions. The company stated that the issue of variable payments is currently under consideration by the competent courts.
The administration also stated that it remains fully available, as demonstrated by the more than 15 formal meetings already held in 2024 with union organizations, to continue all ongoing negotiation processes.
Lisbon Metro Operations
These include changes to the Career Regulations, reducing the maximum working hours to 37.5 hours per week, through constructive negotiation, with the aim of satisfying customer needs, improving working conditions and modernizing the company, ensuring its sustainability.
The Lisbon Metro operates daily with four lines:
- Yellow (Rato-Odivelas)
- Green (Telheiras-Cais do Sodré)
- Blue (Reboleira-Santa Apolónia)
- Red (Airport-São Sebastião)
The service normally operates between 06:30 and 01:00.
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